Overview & Reviews

Nissan was born in Japan, and like other marques from its homeland, the brand is known for crafting vehicles that place an emphasis on quality and reliability. The company's roster of products is broad, and includes sporty coupes, family sedans, minivans, trucks and SUVs.

The automaker got its start in 1933 as the Jidosha Seico Co., Ltd. The following year, this outfit merged with another Japanese manufacturer, and the new company was christened Nissan Motor Company, Ltd. Nissan initially marketed its vehicles under the Datsun brand, with the first Datsuns being built in 1934. Postwar, the brand made its presence felt worldwide, building a partnership with the U.K.-based Austin Motor Co. and establishing a presence in the United States. The first Datsuns hit American shores in 1958. Vehicles like the Datsun 1000 were based on Austin platforms.

The '60s witnessed Nissan's merger with Prince Motor Company, a union that helped the Asian manufacturer create more luxury-focused vehicles. In the U.S. it began offering its first vehicle styled for the U.S. market, the Datsun 510 sedan. By the end of the decade, Datsun had exported more than 1 million vehicles. Datsun rose to prominence in the 1970s on the popularity of its 240Z sports car. Powered by an inline six-cylinder engine, the car was coveted for its blend of style, performance and affordability. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker's cumulative vehicle exports had surpassed the 10 million mark.

In 1981, Nissan shelved the Datsun name and began selling vehicles worldwide under the Nissan moniker. The '80s also saw Nissan's launch of a tuning division called Nismo for the development of performance-oriented vehicles and accessories. Nissan also brought its production to American shores, with the construction of a Georgia-based plant.

The early '90s saw Nissan's fortunes rise in the U.S. thanks to fun-to-drive cars like the 300ZX, Maxima and Sentra. But this trend didn't last long and by the late '90s Nissan's offerings consisted of anonymous vehicles. The company's future was uncertain.

After the turn of the new century Nissan bounced back, helped by a 1999 alliance with Renault that boosted the company's finances. Its redesigned Sentra and Altima boosted sales and consumer interest, as did new models like the 350Z sports car, Armada SUV and Titan pickup. Today the manufacturer is known for offering a wide range of well-regarded vehicles, including the popular Murano SUV, the incredible GT-R supercar and the all-electric Leaf.

User Reviews:

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  What a Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Quick Review - December 18 - 10:00 am

  First time buyer of Nissan and Maxima. I have been driving new Fords for 20 years, wont be going back. Love the car, love the ride. Smooth, quiet, comfortable and powerful when you need it, what more could you ask for? Try it out you wont be disappointed for the price.

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  Altima deserves a look - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Jimmie Lee - December 18 - 10:00 am

  The team at the Nissan Altima design and build studios have been listening to the reviews of the Altima. The 2005 is miles ahead of the 2004 in the interior. They have actually been implementing the ideas of the people who purchase the cars. The one thing they cant seem to address is the wind and road noise. I believe if Nissan could find a way to make the interior of the Altima more quiet, they would find themselves in the hunt with the Accord and the Camry. Everyone who owns a pre 2004 Altima should go to the dealership and take a look at the 2005s, I think you will be pleasently surprised by the new interior and the driveability of the new cars.

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  09 murano - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By alfiez81 - December 18 - 8:53 am

  I got an 09 le murano, I love the the way it handles and how comfortable it is. The thing i dont like is how in the winter when it snows the rims always get snow building up and makes it shake or ride ruff down the road. I know all rims do that after alot of snow but not everytime it snows. Another thing is my driver door has frozen shut on me twice from just he slush splashing up. I dont know if i got a bad seal or what? other then that i love it! Where do u get new tires i cant find any store that carries 235/55/20?

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  Very Fun Car - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By rgp1000 - December 18 - 3:48 am

  Did a lot of research and picked the Rogue in Midnight Jade. Surprised every 3rd car on the road isnt 1. Ive found 4 distinct driving modes. The put it in drive and go mode, the Low mode- for slow, bad conditions driving, sport mode-yahoo. when I get it broke in Ill b using almost exclusively. Last is turning off the OD or over-drive. Great for going up hills. I dont have to worry about mph, live close to work, so when the motor is broke in...sport mode! The active trace- inside wheels brake slightly is nice. But the birdseye-view camera is awesome, better than I thought. I feel if I didnt get a lemon, ill be raving about this car for years.

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  Disappointed - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By SE-R Spec V - December 17 - 9:36 pm

  I bought a used 04 SE-R Spec V with only 4,000 miles on it. im very disappointed with it. The fuel mileage is average. The first gear is too short and sometimes it is a pain to put it in reverse. The ride is too harsh over little bumps and the suspension is bad. I had front struts replaced after 20K miles and rear twice at 25K and 57K miles. Many little irritating problems like the emergency brake light refuses to go off, it comes with stock summer only tires, factory speakers not that great, no ABS on a car at this price point is ridiculous. Even KIA offers ABS on their much cheaper models.

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  Awesome Truck - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Mike - December 17 - 7:50 pm

  Great ride quality, brakes, & suspension. Love the big interior of the CC. I have the leather bench seats and the big fold-down center console is great, especially for a laptop. Nicely priced, got my brand new 08 CC SE SB, OTD for 26k.

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  Max THe BEAST!! The Best Car EVER - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Frederick Arthur P-K - December 17 - 7:30 am

  I got this car from an auction. It drives well, Spacious and the features are comparable to that of an E-class. I bought this car because it was the right balance between a luxury and an everyday car. The car looks great especially with the 18" chrome with black leather interior on black ext. It would have been nice if they got rid of the handbrake, included an mp3 player with AUX, an automatic trunk shut system. Very noisy if music not on blast, suspension is a bit rough bt I love this car. And dnt regret one bit! If you are looking at buying this car, go all out, and get all options other than that get an ALTIMA..

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  Fun to Drive for SUV - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Cardy - December 16 - 7:23 pm

  Although a crossover, this SUV is like driving a sportscar. It will hopefully get more consistent gas mileage after the engine breaks in. Absolutley love it unless the alternator break as in a recall. Google it and find out if you VIN applies. Fortunately mine does not. Absolutley endorse this vehicle.

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  Great Mini-Van Purchase - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Hogshead - December 16 - 1:33 am

  This is a good, almost great mini-van. The in town gas milage is a little underpar, but past that I have no complaints except for the dealer. I recently took it on a 1200 mile trip and it was very comfortable to drive for the 10 hours each day I sat in the drivers seat. The kids had tons of room and had no complaints.

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  The "Sleeper" for 2007 - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Jimmy - December 15 - 4:43 pm

  I wanted to get a fuel efficient vehicle before the gas prices shoot up again, which will probably be in 2007. Before I actually purchased my Sentra, I looked at all the competitive models including the Corolla. The Sentra offers far more features than any of the other cars and is still in the same price range. My gas mileage is 26.6 in the city 37.1 freeway. It is easy to park and fun to drive. And having to live and commute in California, that says a lot.